Method and device for performing a welcoming illumination

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method and a device for performing a welcoming illumination in a motor vehicle. Therefore, the problem addressed by the present invention is that of providing a method and a device that allow a welcoming illumination which seems human. According to the invention, a method for performing a welcoming illumination by means of the headlights of a motor vehicle is proposed, each headlight having a pivotable illumination module, the shape of which illumination modules imitates human eyes at least when the illumination modules are illuminated, the method comprising the following steps: —defining an authorization zone having a predefinable radius around the motor vehicle; —registering whether at least one authorized user is within the authorization zone; —starting a first illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination, in which first illumination sequence the illumination modules pivot, with respect to a vehicle coordinate system, from an idle position directed downward to a horizontally oriented driving position; —determining the position of the authorized user within the authorization zone with respect to the vehicle coordinate system; —starting a second illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination, in which second illumination sequence the illumination modules first pivot toward the registered authorized user and subsequently pivot back to the driving position oriented horizontally and forward.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 102020 207 188.8, filed on Jun. 9, 2020 with the German Patent andTrademark Office. The contents of the aforesaid patent application areincorporated herein for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and a device for performing awelcoming illumination in a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

This background section is provided for the purpose of generallydescribing the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently namedinventor(s), to the extent the work is described in this backgroundsection, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwisequalify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly norimpliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Modern vehicles have a variety of sensors and devices for outputting anddisplaying information that allows the user to interact contactlesslywith the vehicle within certain limits. In this context, gesturecontrols, for example, of peripheral devices of the vehicle which allowcontactless control of these peripheral devices should be mentioned.Methods and devices for sensor-based control are also known whenentering and thus before the actual beginning of a drive. These include,for example, keyless entry into the vehicle, for which the vehicleregisters, by means of suitable sensors, whether an authorized user isin the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle and wishes to enter. Inthis case, the doors are automatically unlocked so that the authorizeduser can enter without having to actively unlock the vehicle beforehand.

The growing possibilities of interacting with the motor vehicle hasawoken a wish for such motor vehicles to seem “more human” due tosuitable external illumination, which simplifies interaction.

SUMMARY

A need exists to provide a method and a device that allow a welcomingillumination that seems somewhat human.

The need is addressed by the method and by the motor vehicle accordingto the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are described inthe dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c , 6 a, 6 b,7 a, and 7 b show, in pairs, a vehicle in a plan view with an authorizeduser approaching and a vehicle in a front view with the respectivelyrunning illumination sequence, which depends on the position of theregistered user.

DESCRIPTION

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent fromthe description, drawings, and from the claims.

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, specificdetails are described in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that the invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known features have not been describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant description.

In some embodiments, a method is provided in which a welcomingillumination is performed with the headlights of the motor vehicle, eachheadlight having a pivotable illumination module, the shape of whichillumination modules imitates human eyes at least when the illuminationmodules are illuminated. For this purpose, first an authorization zonehaving a predefinable radius around the vehicle is defined. By means ofan authorization device, it is then registered whether at least oneauthorized user is within the defined authorization zone. Such anauthorization device can consist, for example, of a sensor of thevehicle, which sensor registers whether a user within the authorizationzone has a contactless key and thus is authorized for entry.Alternatively, a camera device with facial recognition or the like isalso conceivable as the authorization device. When an authorized user isregistered within the authorization zone, a first illumination sequenceof the welcoming illumination starts, in which first illuminationsequence the illumination modules pivot, with respect to a vehiclecoordinate system, from an idle position oriented downward (i.e., in thenegative z-direction) to a horizontally (i.e., in the positivex-direction) oriented driving position. A vehicle coordinate system isunderstood here to mean a Cartesian and right-hand coordinate system,the x-axis of which is oriented in the driving direction. This gives theviewer the impression that the motor vehicle opens its eyes and thuswakes up. Furthermore, the position of the authorized user within theauthorization zone and with respect to the vehicle coordinate system isdetermined by means of a suitable device. Substantially, the directionfrom which the authorized user approaches the motor vehicle isestablished in the process. Depending on this position, a secondillumination sequence of the welcoming illumination is started, in whichsecond illumination sequence the illumination modules first pivot in thedirection of the registered authorized user and subsequently pivot backto the driving position oriented horizontally and forward. Before theillumination module pivots back, the illumination module for examplepauses in the pivoted position before the illumination module pivotsback to the driving position oriented forward. This gives the user theimpression that the motor vehicle is looking directly at and thereforegreeting the user, thereby completing the welcoming illumination thatseems human.

In some embodiments, a motor vehicle, is provided with headlights, eachhaving a pivotable illumination module, which illumination modulesimitate human eyes when they are illuminated and which are configured topivot, with respect to a vehicle coordinate system, from an idleposition directed downward to a horizontally oriented driving positionduring a first illumination sequence of a welcoming illumination. In thecontext of some embodiments, the illumination module is thereby pivotedby a vertically oriented angle of at least 3°, for example of at least6°. Furthermore, the illumination modules are configured to pivot in thedirection of a registered and authorized user during a secondillumination sequence of the welcoming illumination. In someembodiments, a horizontal pivoting angle of ±9° is thereby covered.Finally, the illumination modules are configured to pivot back to thedriving position oriented horizontally and forward.

Some embodiments are described in the following and with reference tothe dependent claims.

In some embodiments, it is provided that the authorization zone has anouter zone and the first illumination sequence starts when theauthorized user is registered within the outer zone. In addition, theauthorization zone has an inner zone which is located completely withinthe outer zone, wherein the second illumination sequence starts when theauthorized user is registered within the inner zone. This extends thelength of the transition between the first illumination sequence, whichrepresents the motor vehicle waking up, and the second illuminationsequence, which represents greeting the user, because the secondillumination sequence only starts when the addressed user has completelypassed through the outer zone. This also humanizes the opticalimpression of the welcoming illumination.

In some embodiments, it is provided that the inner zone has two regions,namely a region arranged to the left side of the motor vehicle and aregion arranged to the right side of the motor vehicle. In front of andbehind the vehicle, these regions are at least slightly spaced apartfrom each other so that pivoting the illumination modules in accordancewith the second illumination sequence is blocked if the user approachesthe vehicle directly from the front and/or directly from behind. Onlywhen the authorized user chooses a direction—meaning left or right alongthe vehicle—does the second illumination sequence, in which theillumination modules are pivoted in the direction in which theauthorized user is moving, begin.

In some embodiments, the second illumination sequence of the welcomingillumination can start after a predefinable period of time after thefirst illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination is completed.The progression of the method and the successive performance of thefirst and second illumination sequences is in this case independent ofthe definition of an inner zone. Nevertheless, the position of theauthorized user is still established/registered so that the illuminationmodule pivots in the direction of the authorized user during the secondillumination sequence.

Supplementary to the welcoming illumination by means of the illuminationmodules mounted in a pivotably movable manner, in some embodiments it isprovided that the first illumination sequence of the welcomingillumination comprises switching on and dimming up a position light,wherein the position light comprises light perimeters and a border ofthe illumination modules. The light perimeters encircle the illuminationmodules completely or partially or have a V shape that is open towardthe sides of the motor vehicle. The border of the illumination modulessurrounds the illumination modules completely or at least partially.Both components of the position light enhance the impression of humaneyes. The light perimeters at least partially frame the illuminationmodules mounted in a pivotably movable manner, analogously to the upperand lower eyelids of a human eye, which also enhances the impression ofhuman eyes. In this case, some embodiments with light perimeters thatonly partially encircle the illumination modules also compriseembodiments in which the light perimeters run only above theillumination modules in order to thus represent an eyebrow and/or aneyelid line. Also provided are light perimeters that are open upward,downward, or toward the middle of the vehicle and/or mimic other visualcharacteristics of a human eye, such as, in particular, the contour ofthe eye and/or an eyelash line. The border of the illumination modules,in contrast, represents the iris of a human eye. In some embodiments,the border may extend into the side faces of the illumination modules,where the border can be illuminated in any predefinable pattern withmultiple light elements, for example with illuminated lines orrhombuses, thereby mimicking the structure of a human iris.

In some embodiments, the illumination modules have not only the borderdesigned as a position light, but also contain the low beam, which issurrounded completely or at least partially by the border in the mannerdescribed previously. The low beam typically has one or more lenses andis switched off during the welcoming illumination and if necessary isactive or automatically activated after this.

The described welcoming illumination offers the authorized user not onlya virtual effect, but the authorized user is also informed immediatelyby the progression of the welcoming illumination that the contactlesskey is functional and ready for use, so that the planned drive can bestarted immediately.

Additional embodiments are explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 a,b to 7 a, b, each of which show, in pairs, a vehicle in a plan view withan authorized user approaching and a vehicle in a front view with therespectively running illumination sequence, which depends on theposition of the registered user.

Specific references to components, process steps, and other elements arenot intended to be limiting. Further, it is understood that like partsbear the same or similar reference numerals when referring to alternateFIGS.

FIG. 1 a shows the plan view of a motor vehicle 1, which registers bymeans of an authorization device 2 whether an authorized user 4 iswithin an authorization zone 3. In the present case, the authorizationdevice 2 consists of a sensor 21, which registers whether a contactlesskey (not shown) is within the authorization zone 3 or not, wherein theauthorized user 4 must carry the contactless key with him if a use ofthe motor vehicle is intended. In the situation shown, the user 4 isoutside of the authorization zone 3; therefore, the vehicle 1 is lockedand in an idle position.

FIG. 1B shows the motor vehicle 1, which is in the idle position, in afront view. The motor vehicle 1 has, in the manner known per se,headlights 5, 5′ arranged to the left and right on the front side of themotor vehicle 1. Additionally, the motor vehicle 1 has a position lightwith light perimeters 6, 6′, which are designed in a V shape in theregion of the headlights 5, 5′ and form a V that is open to the outsideso that the headlights 5, 5′ are encircled at least in portions by thelight perimeters 6, 6′. The light perimeters 6, 6′ each transition intoa linear portion 7, 7′, which portions extend in the horizontaldirection and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle1. In the idle position shown, the light perimeters 6, 6′ are notilluminated, which is indicated by the thin line thicknesses of thelight perimeters 6, 6′ shown.

Finally, the headlights 5, 5′ each have an illumination module 8, 8′mounted in a pivotably movable manner, which are pivoted, with respectto a vehicle coordinate system, downward in the idle position shown andare not illuminated. The illumination modules 8, 8′ each comprise a lowbeam and a border, which is associated with the position light.

FIG. 2 a shows that the authorized user 4 advances into theauthorization zone 3, which is registered by the authorization device 2.This starts a welcoming illumination, which comprises multipleillumination sequences. First, a first illumination sequence starts inwhich the light perimeters 6, 6′ are dimmed up and in which theillumination modules 8, 8′ mounted in a pivotably movable manner pivotupward in the direction of the arrow 9 from the downwardly directed idleposition, wherein the illumination modules 8, 8′ or, respectively, theirborders gradually dim up and increase the emitted light intensity (FIG.2 b ). The increase in the light intensities is shown by the growingline thickness of the light perimeters 6, 6′ and the borders of theillumination modules 8, 8′. The authorized user perceives the gradualincrease in the light intensity and the pivoting up of the illuminationmodules 8, 8′ as “eyes opening.”

FIG. 3 b shows the illumination modules 8, 8′ in the horizontallyoriented driving position, with which the display of “eyes opening” andthus the first illumination sequence is completed.

The authorization zone 3 is divided into two regions, namely an outerzone 31 and an inner zone 32 which is completely surrounded by the outerzone 31. The inner zone 32 is in turn also divided into twoportions/regions 33, 34 that extend to the left and right sides of thevehicle. To the front side and to the right side of the motor vehicle,these regions 33, 34 of the inner zone 32 are spaced apart from eachother so that these intermediate regions are associated with the outerzone 31. When the authorized user 4 is registered within the inner zone33, as shown in FIG. 4 a , a second illumination sequence of thewelcoming illumination starts, in which first the position of theauthorized user 4 in relation to the motor vehicle 1 is determined. Inconcrete terms, it is registered whether the authorized user 4 isregistered in the left-side or right-side region 33, 34 of the innerzone 32.

FIG. 5 b shows that the pivotably movable illumination modules 8, 8′pivot completely in the direction of the registered authorized user 4(direction of arrow 10) during the second illumination sequence. As aresult, the motor vehicle 1 looks at and greets the authorized user 4 bymeans of simulated eye contact. FIG. 5 b also shows that the illuminatedborder of the illumination modules 8, 8′ extend into the side faces ofthe illumination modules 8, 8′, where the frame is designed as lines(arrows 12, 12′), thereby enhancing the impression of a human iris. FIG.5 c illustrates this embodiment in a side view. Finally, theillumination modules 8, 8′ pivot back to the driving position orientedforward (FIG. 6 a, b ).

As shown in FIG. 7 a, b , upon completion of the welcoming illumination,the authorized user 4 is typically directly in front of the vehicledoor. In some embodiments, the welcoming illumination can comprise aground projection 11, which projects the entry region of the motorvehicle 1 onto the ground. It is also for example provided that, uponcompletion of the welcoming illumination, the low beam is immediatelyswitched on, which is illustrated by the illumination modules 8, 8′shown in black.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 Motor vehicle    -   2 Authorization device    -   3 Authorization zone    -   31 Outer zone    -   32 Inner zone    -   33 Left-side region of the inner zone    -   34 Right-side region of the inner zone    -   4 Authorized user    -   5, 5′ Headlights/Lamps    -   6, 6′ Light perimeters    -   7, 7′ Linear portion    -   8, 8′ Illumination module    -   9 Direction of arrow (vertical pivoting)    -   10 Direction of arrow (horizontal pivoting)    -   11 Ground projection    -   12, 12′ Arrows (continuation of the border as lines)

The invention has been described in the preceding using variousexemplary embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments maybe understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing theclaimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and theappended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not excludeother elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does notexclude a plurality. A single processor, module or other unit or devicemay fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims.

The term “exemplary” used throughout the specification means “serving asan example, instance, or exemplification” and does not mean “preferred”or “having advantages” over other embodiments. The term “in particular”and “particularly” used throughout the specification means “for example”or “for instance”.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually differentdependent claims or embodiments does not indicate that a combination ofthese measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in theclaims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for performing a welcoming illuminationwith the lamps of a motor vehicle, wherein at least two lamps having apivotable illumination module, the shape of which illumination modulesimitates human eyes at least when the illumination modules areilluminated, the method comprising: defining an authorization zonehaving a predefinable radius around the motor vehicle; registeringwhether at least one authorized user is within the authorization zone;starting a first illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination, inwhich first illumination sequence the illumination modules pivot, withrespect to a vehicle coordinate system, from an idle position directeddownward to a horizontally oriented driving position; determining theposition of the authorized user within the authorization zone withrespect to the vehicle coordinate system; starting a second illuminationsequence of the welcoming illumination, in which second illuminationsequence the illumination modules first pivot in the direction of theregistered authorized user and subsequently pivot back to the drivingposition oriented horizontally and forward.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the authorization zone has an outer zone, and the firstillumination sequence starts when the authorized user is registeredwithin the outer zone.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theauthorization zone has an inner zone, which is located completely withinthe outer zone, and the second illumination sequence starts when theauthorized user is registered within the inner zone.
 4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the inner zone has two regions, namely a regionarranged to the left side of the motor vehicle and a region arranged tothe right side of the motor vehicle.
 5. The method of claim 2, whereinthe first illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination comprisesswitching on and dimming up a position light, wherein the position lighthas light perimeters and a border of the illumination modules, whereinthe light perimeters: completely or partially encircle the illuminationmodules; or have a V shape that is open to the sides of the motorvehicle and the border of the illumination modules completely orpartially surrounds the illumination modules, which enhances theimpression of human eyes.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the secondillumination sequence of the welcoming illumination starts after apredefinable period of time after the first illumination sequence of thewelcoming illumination is completed.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe authorization zone has an inner zone, which is located completelywithin the outer zone, and the second illumination sequence starts whenthe authorized user is registered within the inner zone.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the inner zone has two regions, namely a regionarranged to the left side of the motor vehicle and a region arranged tothe right side of the motor vehicle.
 9. The method of claim 7, whereinthe first illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination comprisesswitching on and dimming up a position light, wherein the position lighthas light perimeters and a border of the illumination modules, whereinthe light perimeters: completely or partially encircle the illuminationmodules; or have a V shape that is open to the sides of the motorvehicle and the border of the illumination modules completely orpartially surrounds the illumination modules, which enhances theimpression of human eyes.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the secondillumination sequence of the welcoming illumination starts after apredefinable period of time after the first illumination sequence of thewelcoming illumination is completed.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinthe inner zone has two regions, namely a region arranged to the leftside of the motor vehicle and a region arranged to the right side of themotor vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstillumination sequence of the welcoming illumination comprises switchingon and dimming up a position light, wherein the position light has lightperimeters and a border of the illumination modules, wherein the lightperimeters: completely or partially encircle the illumination modules;or have a V shape that is open to the sides of the motor vehicle and theborder of the illumination modules completely or partially surrounds theillumination modules, which enhances the impression of human eyes. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the second illumination sequence of thewelcoming illumination starts after a predefinable period of time afterthe first illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination iscompleted.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first illuminationsequence of the welcoming illumination comprises switching on anddimming up a position light, wherein the position light has lightperimeters and a border of the illumination modules, wherein the lightperimeters: completely or partially encircle the illumination modules;or have a V shape that is open to the sides of the motor vehicle and theborder of the illumination modules completely or partially surrounds theillumination modules, which enhances the impression of human eyes. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein the second illumination sequence of thewelcoming illumination starts after a predefinable period of time afterthe first illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination iscompleted.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the second illuminationsequence of the welcoming illumination starts after a predefinableperiod of time after the first illumination sequence of the welcomingillumination is completed.
 17. A vehicle with a device for performing awelcoming illumination, wherein the motor vehicle has lamps, wherein atleast two of the lamps comprise a pivotable illumination module, whichillumination modules imitate human eyes when the illumination modulesare illuminated and which are configured to: pivot, with respect to avehicle coordinate system, from an idle position directed downward to ahorizontally oriented driving position during a first illuminationsequence of a welcoming illumination; and pivot in the direction of aregistered and authorized user during a second illumination sequence ofthe welcoming illumination; and subsequently pivot back to the drivingposition oriented horizontally and forward.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17,comprising an authorization device, which is configured to register anauthorized user within an authorization zone and to determine hisposition within the authorization zone.
 19. The vehicle of claim 18,comprising a position light, which has light perimeters and a border ofthe illumination modules, wherein the light perimeters: completely orpartially encircle the illumination modules; or have a V shape opentoward the sides of the motor vehicle and the border of the illuminationmodules completely or partially surrounds the illumination modules,which enhances the impression of human eyes, wherein the position lightis configured to be switched on and dimmed up during the firstillumination sequence of the welcoming illumination.
 20. The vehicle ofclaim 17, comprising a position light, which has light perimeters and aborder of the illumination modules, wherein the light perimeters:completely or partially encircle the illumination modules; or have a Vshape open toward the sides of the motor vehicle and the border of theillumination modules completely or partially surrounds the illuminationmodules, which enhances the impression of human eyes, wherein theposition light is configured to be switched on and dimmed up during thefirst illumination sequence of the welcoming illumination.